Mac Mini M4 Pro can't power portable displays via TB5

[ntwind]

While evaluating potential upgrades for my Mac Mini 2018 i7 32GB, I purchased two new models for comparison: Mac Mini M4 with 24GB RAM and the base model Mac Mini M4 Pro. During testing, I discovered an unexpected power delivery limitation with the M4 Pro model. My setup includes two portable monitors:

• Zeuslap P16UK (3840x2400)
• Zeuslap P16K (2560x1600, primarily used in vertical orientation)

Both my Mac Mini 2018 and the regular M4 can power these PD30W monitors through a single TB4 cable. However, with the M4 Pro (TB5 ports), the monitors require external power - even when using just one display with the lowest resolution. This means I have to use both USB-C ports on each monitor (one for power, one for data), which is inconvenient.

M4 on the right, M4 Pro on the left (white cable is connected to a power adapter)

Has anyone experienced similar issues with the M4 Pro and portable displays? Is this a Thunderbolt 5 limitation or specific to these monitors?

 

[Bigwaff]

However, with the M4 Pro (TB5 ports), the monitors require external power - even when using just one display with the lowest resolution. This means I have to use both USB-C ports on each monitor (one for power, one for data), which is inconvenient.

The middle USB-C port is the DFU port. Maybe avoid that one?

 

[ntwind]

The middle USB-C port is the DFU port. Maybe avoid that one?

I tried them all, none of them worked without power cable.

 

[Fishrrman]

Waff, thanks for the tip on the middle port being the DFU on the m4 Mini...

 

[Macalway]

Yes, this is being talked about a few places. I have a Innoview that doesn't work with TB5, but another brand one does, luckily.

But it's not a power issue with the Innoview, as I tried external power. It works with HDMI and a USB-C cable to the Mini.

So who knows what's going on.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Not seeing this issue with my own M4 Pro mini (just one USB-powered display).

I had some trouble getting it working with the prior M1 mini & had to try a few different cables before it was reliable. But that same cable has moved onto the M4 Pro with no issues.

 

[HuskerHarley]

Is this still an issue? I am about to order a M4 Pro and need at least two monitors.

 

[BigBlur]

Is this still an issue? I am about to order a M4 Pro and need at least two monitors.

Sounds like you're going to use HDMI monitors (based on your other post)? If so, this issue wouldn't apply to you since it's not possible to do power delivery with HDMI. It only affects USB-C displays that can accept power delivery.

 

[HuskerHarley]

Sounds like you're going to use HDMI monitors (based on your other post)? If so, this issue wouldn't apply to you since it's not possible to do power delivery with HDMI. It only affects USB-C displays that can accept power delivery.

I'm going to order two new monitors and retire my current set-up. That's why I asked.

 

[OldGreyGuy]

Is this still an issue? I am about to order a M4 Pro and need at least two monitors.

Depends how you connect them, I have a M4 pro and a Caldigit TS4 with two 27” 4K monitors attached to the TS4. The first attached via DisplayPort to the DisplayPort on the TS4, the second via DisplayPort to a Thunderbolt port on the TS4.

So the monitors and the TS4 are all powered devices so the Thunderbolt ports on the M4 Pro are not overloaded. Everything works fine.

In my location the TS4 was cheaper from Apple than the local Caldigit retailer by AU$ 100 in case anyone reading this wants to go down that route.